Trick or Treat Under The Sea at North Carolina Aquarium

By Claire Aubel

 Atlantic Beach, NC - The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores invites families to masquerade among the marine life on Thursday, Oct. 30, at an unforgettable Halloween celebration - Trick or Treat Under the Sea. Ticket sales begin at 5 p.m. and end at 8 p.m.

Trick or Treat Under the Sea gives children a chance to trick-or-treat indoors throughout Halloween-themed exhibits, as local businesses hand out candy from decorated booths.

The most creatively costumed visitors will be recognized with awards. Games, face-painting and other activities are offered during the bewitching evening, in addition to the sweets and treats. Children can help perform scary, slimy science experiments in the “Goo Lab.” Older kids willing to brave a spooky outdoor walk can make their way through the haunted fog of a maritime forest, filled with creatures lurking in the dark.

All visitors can enjoy the acrobatics of the Aquarium’s three North American river otters, Neuse, Pungo and Eno, as they play with jack-o’-lanterns. The Aquarium Dive Team will show off its underwater pumpkin carving skills throughout the evening in the ghostly Living Shipwreck exhibit.

To prepare for the evening, the Aquarium closes at noon and reopens at 5 p.m. Admission after 5 p.m. is $5 per person; no charge for children ages 2 and under.

Because this is a special event, Aquarium Society memberships, discounted tickets, complimentary passes and admission paid before noon cannot be used in lieu of the $5 per person charge.

The Aquarium is five miles west of Atlantic Beach. Visit www.ncaquariums.com or call 252-247-4003 for more information.

PHOTO: Vivian Aubel of New Bern trick-or-treated as an Aquarium scuba diver for last year’s Halloween event at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Put on your best costume and come to the Aquarium for Trick or Treat Under the Sea on Thursday, Oct. 30.